House Plants/yucca plant falling over

Hello! I have my yucca plant for over 4 years. It was happy and health a month ago but I travelled abroad for three weeks and left my boyfriend taking care of it. When I returned the plant was sad and falling over. I know the weather wasn't very nice recently. Very cold and raining or snowing a lot. But I've never saw the plant like that before. Can I revive it?
I really need some help please. I live in Washington DC.

Many thanks

AnswerHi Emanuella,

It appears that the stems between the top of the thick cane and the leaves have all withered. When that happens, the stems are no longer able to transport water and nutrients from the soil and roots to the leaves. Unfortunately, once the stems have withered they do not recover.

The cause of the withering might be extended drought over the course of several months. A more likely cause is root rot that prevents the roots from absorbing water for the rest of the plant. Root rot is common with Yuccas because they do not tolerate excessive moisture around their roots. It appears that yours was repotted some time ago and placed in a pot that is a bit too large with soil that is not porous enough. In those conditions, the soil around the roots does not dry out enough to prevent root rot. Root rot occurs slowly over a long period of time and eventually there are no longer enough healthy roots to serve the plant. The result is what you see.

Here is what I recommend. Cut off each of the stems about two inches below the lowest leaves. Remove any yellow or pale green leaves. Mix three parts of damp peat moss with one part perlite. Put that mix into a 6" or 8" pot and insert all of the cut stems. Press the potting mix in tight around the stem cuttings and water lightly. Move this pot of cuttings to a warm, sunny windowsill. Keep the potting mix barely damp. Be patient as it will take a couple of months for new roots to form and for the cuttings to gradually grow. Keep the cuttings together in a single pot and don't repot for at least six months to a year.

I have written detailed articles on root rot, propagating new plants and on Yucca care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com. I have also written an indoor plant care book in a PDF format that I can sell you if you contact me at my email address.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and NOMINATION for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Expertise

I am the only expert in this category with professional hands-on experience and knowledge of all indoor plants. I can answer questions regarding light, water, fertilizer, repotting, pruning and humidity and temperature requirements. I can identify plant pests and provide information on safe, effective treatments. My answers are based on 35 years of professional experience and scientific research and are clear and easy to understand. I do NOT use search engines to find answers to your questions.
If you read my previous posts here, you will get a good idea as to how thorough and professional my answers are.

Experience

I have over 35 years of professional indoor landscaping experience caring for plants in homes, offices, building lobbies, stores, restaurants, and other adverse environments. I have written extensively on the care of indoor plants, including a 260 page book. My specialties include Ficus trees, low light plants, repotting, pest control, and re-blooming holiday plants.
Be sure to check my ratings and nominations to learn why I am the top-rated indoor plant expert. I am the only House Plant expert consistently ranked in the AllExperts Top 20.